It happens all the time. New college kids excitedly tell their parents: Look! I'm going to major in interpretive dance!
Or theater or art, or something that makes the parent shudder to think what kind of actual job the kid can get.
To parents, focused on concrete issues like paying for college, interpretive dance is often not welcome news.
While parents don't want to quash the student's enthusiasm, some guidance is acceptable.
Many parents do discuss their children's college programs before class schedules are settled, but many do not. Some students might see a school guidance counselor for this, but others do not.
What students see is a catalogue of classes, all of which seem interesting. The temptation is to load up, sometimes on too much academics at once, and sometimes on too many casual courses.
A good basic schedule will include required classes, an optional class, and perhaps a class for pure enjoyment. Choir might not help qualify an engineer but it will be enriching, if that is something that interests the student.
Parents are typically concerned that the student takes courses that in some way prepare him or her for a job.
Don't discount a liberal arts degree. Many graduates find good employment there, especially if they have other talents in computer programming, for example, according to CNBC. In fact, with high programming skills, a college degree might not even be necessary these days.
Still, a student with high math skills might be encouraged to focus on a mechanical engineering degree. Another student with an interest in some aspect of technology, could look at computer science or information technology degrees. Both of these areas are in high demand.
Finally, consider the content of the classes. For some parents, it is important that students learn a traditional version of history, featuring the founding fathers and the creation of America. Other parents demand a more critical approach to history and politics. Whatever your preference, find out what is being taught, especially if you are paying for college.
